Welcome the return of Al Fresco Dining and more at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Al fresco dining, a new Chef’s Table experience and much more happening this October at this exquisite beachside resort on Saadiyat Island.

This October, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is celebrating the return of the cooler weather by presenting a range of immersive new dining and leisure experiences. Inviting residents and visitors to enhance their autumn season in the UAE capital, the iconic island escape is presenting an exclusive Chef’s Table menu as part of Abu Dhabi Culinary Season, a gorgeous PINKtober dessert created in aid of charity and a whole host of unforgettable culinary journeys.

PINKtober at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi and Sontaya *new*

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort has launched a number of charitable initiatives, inviting both guests and internal team members to contribute to the annual PINKtober campaign. Empowering guests to support breast cancer research whilst savouring an elegant sweet treat, the opulent destination is raising funds for the global healthcare charity of Al Jalila Foundation. Dedicated to providing medical treatment for those who are unable to afford quality healthcare, scholarships designed to empower the region’s future medical professionals and research into treatments for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and obesity, the organisation offers a vital service.

The expert chefs at the capital’s most chic and stylish beach bar, Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi, and the modern Southeast Asian destination, Sontaya Restaurant, have crafted an indulgent and delicious Pink Surprise dessert specifically for PINKtober. Tempting guests to treat themselves and support a good cause, the delectable creation features a stunning pink casing accentuated with yuzu caviar, sour cherry compote, pistachio frangipane and creamy frozen yogurt. Every dirham raised through the sales of this perfectly crafted delight will go directly towards supporting the work of Al Jalila Foundation.

The Pink Surprise is available to purchase for AED 55 until October 31. For more information, kindly contact the resort at [email protected] or +971 2 498 8888.

The Chef’s Table at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi *new*

Boasting one of the UAE capital’s most amazing settings for a beautiful fine-dining experience and renowned for its imaginative, expertly crafted and picture-perfect dishes, Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi is proud to participate in the city’s annual food festival, Abu Dhabi Culinary Season.

From October 25th until November 27th, guests are invited to savour a fabulous four-course Chef’s Table menu. Carefully curated to showcase the hotspot’s most unique and tantalising recipes, the experience is inspired by the vibrant flavours of Peru and the Pacific Rim. Drawing on his amazing skills, knowledge and years of experience, Head Chef Renzo has created a culinary journey through some of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cuisines.

Diners are presented with a selection of elegant cold starters, including tuna shake ssam bap and ceviche, alongside a variety of palate pleasing hot starters, including wagyu short rib bao and crispy lobster dumplings.

Further sensational tastes, such as black cod kamameshi and baby chicken brasa, are then highlighted within the main course, before the atmospheric and blissful evening concludes with some decadent and indulgent yucamoshi and crème brûlée.                                                       

The Chef’s Table Menu is exclusively available from October 25th until November 27th, between 5pm to midnight, Monday to Wednesday and 12pm to midnight, Thursday to Saturday (excluding Fridays). All four of the exceptional courses can be enjoyed for AED 300 per person. For more information, kindly contact the resort at [email protected] or +971 2 498 8888.

Nazka at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi

Chic, sophisticated and elegant, the world-renowned brand, Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi, is bringing a one-of-a-kind experience to the UAE capital. Providing a full menu of new tastes and beverages, plus a distinct warm ambiance infused with the most intricate Peruvian designs, the Nazka concept invites guests to go on an enlightening journey through the rich and varied world of Nikkei food.

The curated new menu combines authentic Peruvian ingredients with Japanese cooking techniques, presenting colourful maki rolls, softshell crab tempura, tori robatta and many more fabulous recipes. Joining these bites is also a new range of refreshing Pisco Sour cocktails, featuring the perfect combination of Japanese and Peruvian herbs, botanicals and speciality beverages.

Of course, no visit to Nazka would be complete without some atmospheric tunes, and the immersive experience is joined by an ethereal mix of deep house. In addition, guests will also find that the venue has been adorned with a mesmerising selection of boutique design features and furnishing, filled with uplifting shades and cultural patterns. This in turn creates a tranquil and enticing atmosphere that’s ideal for a birthday party, corporate gathering or a relaxing catch up with friends and loved ones.

Served à la carte, guests can enjoy the Nazka at Buddha Bar Beach Abu Dhabi creations, and its amazing ambiance, from Monday to Wednesday, 5pm to midnight, and Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to midnight. For more information, kindly contact the resort at [email protected] or +971 2 498 8888.

The Masterclass at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi

The capital’s chicest beach bar is delighted to host two more fabulous Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi’s ‘The Masterclass’ sessions. Taking place on October 23rd, food connoisseurs are invited to spend a relaxing afternoon taking in the sensational beachside views and learning how to make one of the restaurant’s most iconic dishes, plus one of its most refreshing mixed drinks. Following the masterclass, participants can also take a seat and enjoy a sumptuous three-course lunch, served in typical Buddha-Bar style and class.

Exclusively for the occasion, Chef Renzo has prepared a special step-by-step demonstration of his flavour-packed Peruvian prawn causa with sriracha golf sauce. This classic recipe has been passed down through generations, and legend has it that it was originally made for the country’s soldiers during the Peruvian War of Independence in the early 19th century.

Traditionally a layered potato dish and one of Peru’s most-loved dishes, Chef Renzo has created a vibrant take on the classic that includes a modern and innovative twist. Meanwhile, the expert in-house mixologist will show guests how to prepare a Chilcano de Pisco, a classic pisco-based cocktail that features an added burst of tropical and floral flavours to match the chilled-out vibes of the luxurious venue.

Following these demonstrations, guests will then sample a starter-sized portion of the prawn causa, baby chicken brasa for the main course and finally, an indulgent crème brûlée for dessert.

Available for up to 10 people only, reservations for ‘The Masterclass’ events are mandatory. Taking place on 23rd October from 1pm onwards, the special experience is priced at AED 225 per person.

For more information, kindly contact the resort at [email protected] or +971 2 498 8888.

Flavours of Peking Duck at Sontaya

Abu Dhabi’s most picturesque Southeast Asian Restaurant is celebrating all the most sensational Peking Duck recipes from across the region. One of the most popular flavours of Asian cuisine, Sontaya has harnessed the full charm of this aromatic and beautifully cooked meat into a curated special menu.

Served alongside the existing selection of expertly crafted dishes, food connoisseurs can delight in whole host of traditional and contemporary Peking duck recipes. Dumpling fans will adore the Thai duck gyoza with shao shao sauce, while the duck salad adds some extra crunch and wholesome tastes to the appetisers and the creamy duck red curry provides a nutritious and satisfying main course.

Served à la carte and available exclusively from October 1 to 31, the Flavours of Peking Duck menu is served every evening, from 6pm until midnight. For more information, kindly contact the resort at [email protected] or +971 2 498 8888.

Grills, Tagines & More at Olea

The much-admired Grills & Tagines nights at Olea restaurant, is presenting another series of lavish international feasts throughout the month of October.

Taking place every Thursday and Friday evening, the sumptuous buffet features a whole array of exquisite options from across the globe, with a particular focus on succulent grills (served from an interactive live station), perfectly spiced Moroccan tagines, Arabic specialties, and top-quality carved meats.

Set within the elegant restaurant and offering all children under six the chance to dine complimentary, Grills, Tagines & More contains dishes to satisfy all ages. Starting with the appetisers, the vast cold buffet contains pates, terrines, antipasti, nutritious salads, cold mezze and iced seafood like tuna ceviche and marinated mackerel.

Meanwhile, the spread of mains contains countless different types of meats and seafood all available grilled to order, international dishes like paella and biryani, tagines featuring chicken, beef, lamb and tangy fish, and a live station serving shrimp charmoula. Further tastes include a live pasta station, rotisserie duck, baked whole red snapper and many more magnificent creations from across the globe.

Saving room for the signature burnt cheesecake dessert with mixed berries is also essential, while the awe-inspiring sweets spread contains every kind of tempting treat imaginable. This includes fresh grilled fruits with ice cream, favourites such as tiramisu and chocolate brownies, plus showstopping home baked cakes in flavours as varied as red velvet and banana caramel.

Grills, Tagines & More is available every Thursday and Friday throughout October from 7pm to 11pm, with packages available for AED 220 per person and AED 110 for children aged six to 12, while meals for children below the age of 6 years are complimentary. For more information, kindly contact the resort at [email protected] or +971 2 498 8888.

The Signature 3 – Signature Steak Cuts

The Signature 3 is bringing a brand-new dining concept to The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Showcasing three of the world’s most delicious, high-quality steak cuts, plus sumptuous dishes inspired by vibrant cuisines from across the globe, this reimagined journey of culinary tastes is further elevated by its glorious views of the Arabian Gulf.

The new menu includes three signature steaks: USA Angus Beef Tenderloin, USA Prime New York Striploin and Blackmore Farms Wagyu Rib Eye. These inviting cuts are presented with a choice of sides and sauces that are carefully chosen to complement the flavours beautifully.

In addition to the mouth-watering, premium steak cuts, the intimate and cosy culinary experience also includes a vast variety of wonderful appetisers, mains and desserts. Guests are invited to start their evening by indulging in a number of expertly prepared plates such as rich and creamy burrata, while those who don’t wish to treat themselves to a juicy piece of steak, can choose from delicious recipes like Chilean seabass or vegetarian-friendly truffle and wild mushroom black ravioli.

The Signature 3, newly introduced concept and menu is available daily, from 12pm to midnight.  For more information, kindly contact the resort at [email protected] or +971 2 498 8888.

Weekly themed cakes and pastries at The Drawing Room     

Warm, welcoming, and offering an exceptionally comfortable place to escape the summer heat, The Drawing Room is unveiling four exquisite, themed selections of cakes and pastries throughout the month of October.

With the highlighted flavour changing every week, the upcoming month will see the highly skilled chefs explore the refreshing, vibrant tastes of citrus, the wholesome, all-natural flavours of pistachio and hazelnut, and finally the rich and uplifting notes of coffee.

Each themed collection is packed with delicate sweet and savoury treats, inspired by both Middle Eastern and European cuisines. Offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf through the floor-to-ceiling windows, The Drawing Room is one the most warm and welcoming places in the capital to stop for a perfectly crafted beverage and some homemade cakes and pastries.

Available daily throughout October from 8am to 10pm, the citrus, pistachio, hazelnut and coffee menus are priced à la carte with a different theme showcased each week.  For more information, kindly contact the resort at [email protected] or +971 2 498 8888.

Bespoke Togetherness at Iridium Spa

Encouraging couples to reconnect and feel closer to one another, the Bespoke Togetherness treatment at Iridium Spa is a bonding experience that loved ones will never forget.

The rare and refined journey starts with a full consultation from one of the fully qualified therapists. This essential step is used to define any individual needs and particular areas that need to be focused on, before the fully holistic treatment begins.

The pampering processes that follow are then designed to align and balance each couple’s energy flow, relaxing both the mind and body leaving and creating a peaceful sense of total wellbeing.

Incorporating an invigorating full-body massage and further expert techniques, prices for the Bespoke Togetherness experience start from AED 900 per couple for 60 minutes, or AED 1,200 per couple for 90 minutes. This fabulous treat for the senses is available to redeem daily until October 31, between 11am and 11pm.

To book, please contact Iridium Spa at: [email protected] or +971 2 498 8996.

About the author